Session in Dutch
Fully automated high-tech cultivation systems are using, or driving the development of, these technologies. Among other things, by developing new cultivation systems from vertical farm to mid-tech but also robotisation in greenhouses and packing stations.
A live-session podcast in Dutch.

NEXT level in Hortitech: Mechatronics and Optomechatronics

Lambert van Horen is working as a RaboResearch senior specialist in Utrecht. His focus is on greenhouse horticulture, floriculture, and mushroom culture. Lambert has been with Rabobank since 2000, started in the role of sector manager for horticulture. After that, he worked as a relationshipmanager. Before joining Rabobank, he worked with Wageningen Economic Research and the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture. Lambert holds a master’s degree in horticulture from Wageningen University.

Senior specialist Fresh Produce

René Beerkens is a seasoned horticultural expert with over two decades of experience at Hoogendoorn Growth Management, a global leader in sustainable automation solutions for greenhouse horticulture. As a Data-Driven Growing Consultant, he supports growers worldwide by explaining  and implementing the principles of Plant Empowerment—a holistic approach to optimizing plant growth through data, climate control, and collaboration.
With a strong focus on innovation, Beerkens has witnessed and contributed to the rapid evolution of horticultural technology, from advanced climate computers to precision sensors. 
Beerkens was also a key member of Team AuTomatoes, the winning team of the prestigious Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge organized by Wageningen University. He helped to design the algorithms that led the team to victory by optimizing crop yield, quality and Nett-profit using data-driven algorithms
 His collaborative 'down to earth' -mindset and dedication to continuous learning have made him a respected figure in the international horticultural community.

Senior Data Driven Growing Specialist

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<div>My name is Frans Goud. Grower at BASF / Nunhems. I have been working in horticulture since I was 16. Started working and learning at a cucumber nursery. Here I grew into a manager. After more than 20 years, I started working as an assistant cultivation manager at a tomato nursery. And for the last 8 years I have been working at BASF/Nunhems as (senior technician) cultivation manager tomato / cucumber. For the past 6 years, we at Nunhems have been closely involved in data-driven growing and we have been using the new Intelligent Algorithms in the IIVO climate computer.</div>
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Senior Technician

Project Manager

Sonny has been consulting growers for years on cannabis cultivation in countries where medicinal cannabis is legalized. His cultivation experience and expertise is strengthened as result of his involvement in trials at Wageningen University.
Not surprisingly, Sonny holds a master’s degree in plant science from Wageningen University with greenhouse horticulture as his specialization. He understands the importance of working together with the pharmaceutical, horticultural & hobby industry in the cannabis sector. Through his experience in his extensive network he learnt that cultivation expertise is a crucial factor to make growing facilities a success.

Managing Partner

Franck Golbach is a member of the ‘Vision + Robotics’ team at Wageningen Research (WR), specializing a.o. in the development of computer vision applications for sorting and grading. He utilizes sensors in both the visual and infrared spectrum and has extensive experience with 3D vision technology.
At WR, he is responsible for developing the Plantalyzer, an autonomous robot designed for use in tomato greenhouses. This innovative robot measures various quality aspects of tomatoes and provides accurate crop estimations (yield predictions). The Plantalyzer and its predictive models, now in their final development stage, have been evaluated for more than two years in multiple commercial greenhouses. This technology promises to revolutionize crop management by enhancing yield predictions and improving quality control.

Researcher

Bio Filip van Noort, Crop specialist WUR Greenhouse Horticulture (Wageningen University and Research) &gt;30 years of experience in applied research
Fields of expertise:
Experience in general practical applied research with flowering and green pot plants, ornamentals, vegetables and ingredient plants like vanilla, black pepper, papaya, passionfruit, herbs, medicinal plants, perfume plants  (former) specialist on growth and development on various pot plants especially on flowering of for instance Begonia, Hydrangea, Kalanchoë. Also involved in experiments with crop health (botrytis), substrates, fertilization (effects of low phosphate), (diffuse) light.

Crop Specialist

Exhibition Manager

Management Studies degree educated at Birmingham University with nearly 40 years of international commercial experience.  Focussed on the water sector for the last 25 years working globally promoting environmentally sustainable, efficient and effective water resource management with particular emphasis on water collection and storage.

Global Sales Manager

Founder/CEO of Gardin

Lija Groenewoud van Vliet is the co-founder and creative director of In4Art. As an independent institute for art-driven responsible technological innovations, In4Art is interested in making connections between science, technology and the arts. The organisation’s work focuses on creating space for experiments that enable responsible innovations to be envisioned and brought into being.

Creative Director

Carlo van de Weijer has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the TU Eindhoven and a PhD degree with honors from TU in Graz. He carries a broad experience in the automotive industry with a.o. executive positions at Siemens and TomTom. Currently he is managing director of the newly founded Eindhoven AI System Institute EAISI at Eindhoven University of Technology, Fellow for future of mobility and transport within the Deloitte Center for the Edge and Fellow for AI at Silicon Valley’s Singularity University. He advises ministries and industries around the world on the future of mobility and is member of the supervisory board of several high-tech companies, investments firms and start-ups. Furthermore, he is a regular columnist in a leading Dutch national newspaper.

General Manager Eindhoven AI Systems Institute

Jacob Boxhoorn is a seasoned Technical Sales Consultant at Bosman Van Zaal specializing in multidisciplinary projects with a special interest for optimal internal logistics. Jacob earned his BA in Mechanical Engineering and his MSc in Financial Management at Nyenrode University. 
After gaining experience since 2001 in the design and execution of multiple international projects Jacob took on his commercial role in 2018. 
Bosman Van Zaal is a leading specialist in horticultural technology, with more than 100 years of experience and currently 300 employees worldwide.
It offers a wide range of products and services for greenhouses and indoor farms. Whether it's cultivation systems, climate control, lighting, irrigation, construction, vertical farms or software: Bosman Van Zaal is your one-stop-shop partner for Turnkey projects, all in the field of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
Jacob has a leading role in the design and installation of what is seen as one of the worlds most advanced vertical farms. This facility is designed for growing and packing salad leaves into retail-ready bags. It includes all farming and packhouse operations including logistics and robotics for the process of seeding, picking and placing, germination, harvesting, mixing and packing. As the product is grown ready-to-eat without washing meticulous attention was given to the hygienic design of all elements of the farm.

Technical Sales Consultant

Export Manager

Ramin Ebrahimnejad is a Business Development Manager at the James Hutton Institute (JHI), a leading centre for agricultural, environmental, and food systems research in the UK. He plays a key role in connecting science with industry, enabling the delivery of impactful research and scientific services that support innovation across the agri-food sector.
Ramin leads commercial engagement for the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) and the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC)—two major initiatives based at JHI. The APGC is a cutting-edge facility driving innovation in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), crop phenotyping, and vertical farming, supporting the development of resilient and sustainable food production systems. NAPIC acts as a national hub for the alternative protein sector, fostering collaboration between academia, startups, and global food companies to accelerate the transition toward sustainable proteins.
With a background in data science and sustainable agriculture, Ramin is focused on advancing partnerships that combine research excellence with real-world application—delivering solutions that improve productivity, climate resilience, and nutritional outcomes in modern food systems.

Ernst van Bruggen is CPO and Co-Founder of Source.ag, where he leads product development and innovation. He focuses on building intuitive AI tools that help growers make smarter decisions every day, bridging the gap between plant science, data, and practical greenhouse operations.

CPO and Co-Founder

With a solid 28-year track record in the financial sector as a bank branch director, I have developed strong strategic capabilities in planning, investment analysis, human resources management, and customer loyalty. Now, as Manager of the INNOVACAL Cluster, I apply this experience to drive innovation and boost competitiveness in the Andalusian agri-food industry, fostering collaboration among companies and promoting sustainable, technology-driven solutions.
I hold a degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Jaén, complemented by additional training in finance, taxation, and regulatory compliance. Recently, I earned SAP Financials certification, further strengthening my ability to optimize financial management and support strategic decision-making in digital environments. I also stay up to date through an Advanced Vocational Program in Web Application Development, expanding my competencies in digital transformation and process automation.
Passionate about continuous learning and the transformation of key sectors, I combine financial insight with technological innovation to create meaningful impact on business growth. With a practical and solution-oriented approach, I enjoy connecting talent, resources, and opportunities to add value to both the agri-food sector and the broader economy.

Cluster Manager

Country Director Morocco

Green architect, inspirator and strategist.

Co-founder and Director of LettUs Grow. Current operational role as Chief Scientific Officer, focused on strategic partnerships, projects and academic collaborations.
LettUs Grow is an horticultural technology provider based in Bristol, UK. We design & build aeroponic technology & control software for glasshouse and vertical farming facilities; boosting performance across a triple bottom line. We believe careful innovation in agriculture can make the world a better place. 
Our Aeroponic Rolling Benches are designed for simple integration into automation systems, enabling existing glasshouse or vertical growers with hydroponic bench systems to easily upgrade (in full or part) to a higher performance irrigation system.
Our DROP&GROW container farms can be bought to aid trialing aeroponics anywhere, all year round.

Chief Scientific Officer & Co Founder

Been working for Wageningen University and Research for 3 years now as a practical researcher in planthealth for Dutch greenhouse crops.

Technisch Onderzoeker Gewasgezondheid

Janneke Grit, MSc earned her MSc degree in Greenhouse Horticulture in 2015 at Wageningen University. Thereafter she was a lecturer at HAS Green Academy teaching in the Horticulture & Business Management program. She instructed students plant physiology courses, provided courses to professionals and conducted applied research mainly in the field of greenhouse horticulture and vertical farming. Since 2023, she has been working as scientist at the Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture of Wageningen University and Research. Her main area of expertise is greenhouse crop physiology, with a current focus on the safe application of new CO2 sources for horticulture and transitions to new cultivation systems. Her research is carried out in close collaboration with growers, the supply industry and the government.

Scientist Greenhouse Crop Physiology

Aurélie Bovi is the Innovation Lead for the Controlled Environment Agriculture sector at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. A molecular biologist and geneticist by training, with 10 years’ experience in laboratories and a specialist technical knowledge in plant sciences, Aurélie has worked in business innovation facilitating roles for over 15 years, engaging and collaborating with UK and international organisations in cross-cutting industry sectors and disciplines to deliver solutions to the agri-food sector. She has built an enviable network of contacts across research, industry, policymakers and government bodies. Through her roles she has gained broad view on the innovation landscape (including funding) and cross-cutting R&D knowledge across an array of industry sectors and technologies relevant to the agrifood and broader bio (circular) economy - including agri-tech; biotechnologies (industrial; synthetic biology); (bio)renewables; big data/AI; indoor farming (horticulture; CEA). Over the past few years, Aurélie has expanded her knowledge and expertise of the horticulture and indoor farming, working closely with stakeholders on the development, delivery and adoption of novel/disruptive technologies, processes, and approaches in those sectors.

Innovation Lead, Control Environment Agriculture

VDE plant is a family owned nursery with several locations, in total we grow over 30 different types of tropical potted plants, in total over 10 milion pots a year.
With a team of 7 people we are responseble for growing on our main location of 8 hectares, partially equipped with dimmable LED growing Lights.
Our energy comes from a gas-fired CHP, supported by a heat pump, E- boiler and gas boiler.
In crop protection we mainly use beneficials for optimal results and a minimum impact on environment and footprint.
We started early with footprint calculation in 2015, which helps us to make sustainable choices to improve our poces.

Grower

Team Lead Intelligent Algorithms

Within Delphy I am responsible for setting up and carrying out various studies at the research location in soft fruit: Delphy ISFC. This also includes spreading and transferring knowledge at meetings, events, etc. Working at Delphy and the Delphy ISFC offers me the opportunities to contribute to innovating and improving strawberry and soft fruit cultivation. By doing this, we not only contribute knowledge for growers, but also to the entire food chain. With the Delphy ISFC team we contribute to sustainable cultivation of strawberries and soft fruit for the future, with regard to people, planet & profit.

Manager ISFC

Advisor at MEWA/SAFTA

I graduated in law in Florence (2009), and since 2018, I am (also) a research fellow in industrial engineering at the University of Florence: with the role of IP Promoter, I deal with the valorisation of IP rights of the University of Florence and technology transfer. In 2021 I founded my own law firm. I hold a PhD in Intellectual Property and Competition at the University of Pavia, discussing a dissertation on the commercial exploitation of the right to image. Since 2017, I have been a member of AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property), and during the years 2021-2022, I founded and co-chaired the Italian Group of Young Associates of AIPPI.
I speak Italian and English.

IP Promoter

Willy Contreras-Avilés is a PhD candidate at Wageningen University in the Horticulture and Product Physiology Group whose main research interest in focused in understanding the role of light in the regulation of plant specialized metabolites in medicinal cannabis. He did his bachelor's degree in Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry of Natural Products at Universidad Santo Tomás in Santiago, Chile. Later, he completed a double Master degree in Business and Science where he specialized in Cosmetic Science, at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA. Most recently, he decided to diversify his career by doing a third Master in Plant Sciences at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, consequently leading to his current doctoral position where he is aiming to understand the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the physiology and specialized metabolism in medicinal cannabis.

PhD Candidate

Yvonne Geurten is Commercial Director at Harvest House, a Dutch cooperative of innovative, sustainable tomato, pepper, and cucumber growers. With deep expertise in strategy and go-to-market execution, she drives commercial alignment between growers and retailers, championing innovation and sustainable growth throughout the fresh produce supply chain.

Commercial Director

Martin is responsible for Certhon’s growth chamber projects. With a background in Optical engineering and climate control systems, Martin is specialized in (LED) lighting systems and growth chamber design. Certhon has an extensive experience in turn-key realization of growth chambers for the commercial production of vegetables and flowers as well as specialized chambers for plant research. For example, insights into photosynthesis and transpiration to achieve higher production and quality and improve recourse use efficiency.

Consulting Engineer Indoor Farming Systems

Research-driven art and design collective working in the realm of social dreaming and world-making. Our projects engage with the nonhuman: animals, objects, ecology, technology, and the spectres between and beyond categories.
We see nonsense as an antidote to “common sense” – embracing paradoxical stories to explore the ethical and metaphysical layers of our relationship with the (nonhuman) world. We create contradictory scenarios & propositions in which we appropriate ideas from fields such as science, computing, law and mythology. Our projects take various forms - interactive installations, workshops, short films, public sculptures, campaigns, chatbots and books. 
We enjoy curiosity, cherish compassion, and recognize that separating the human from the nonhuman is nonsense.

Artist

Manager Delphy Digital

Director of Business Development at Skytree, who develops and deploys smart technology that captures atmospheric carbon dioxide, enabling its use or storage to combat climate change and aid society and businesses around the world.

Business Development Director

Starting at Logiqs in 1989 in the field of software and controls I moved to designing growing systems in 2009. Combining innovative logistic, climate and irrigation systems to best grow plants is my passion. In the past years this led to various innovations, such as Bench precise irrigation, climate and light, 2D shuttles that drive through the greenhouse , or vertical farm, to take care of logistics. Lately most focus goes to creating a very homogeneous climate near the leaves of the plants. This allows for higher humidity that can speed up growth a lot and at the same time reduce the energy use.

Colinda de Beer is on a mission to connect tech with greenhouse horticulture. With a background as a horticultural researcher, software developer and R&D manager she is a tech translator and intrapreneur with over 35 years of experience. She regularly writes columns about subjects like innovation, robotics and AI. In her current role as a senior business developer for InnovationQuarter, she likes to combine a strategic and hands-on approach. This shows in her coaching and connecting students, startups, scaleups and companies from outside the horticultural and her role as initiator of RoboCrops and co-author of the digitalization vision for greenhouse horticulture.

Senior Business developer Horticulture

Wendy Walrabenstein is an economist, registered dietitian, and health researcher. After 15 years in the international financial sector as a banker, she made a bold career switch by starting from scratch with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She went on to earn her PhD with groundbreaking research on the impact of a lifestyle program, focusing on plant-based nutrition, physical activity, relaxation, and sleep, on chronic diseases. She co-founded Plants for Health, where she currently serves as CEO. This organization offers science-based lifestyle programs for individuals with or without chronic conditions, as well as for organizations seeking to boost employee well-being. Wendy is also co-founder of the Physicians Association for Nutrition Netherlands and vice-chair of Physicians Association for Nutrition International.

Grower Success Manager and Business Developer at Growficient, helping licensed cannabis cultivators worldwide enhance their irrigation strategies with wireless substrate sensors, an innovative online platform and tailored consultancy. - By optimizing irrigation and fostering a deeper understanding of holistic growing practices, I empower growers to achieve better yields, improved product quality, cost-efficiency, and sustainable water use.  - I drive business development efforts, focusing on expanding Growficient' presence in the US and EU cannabis markets. - My passion lies in leveraging technological innovation and product integration to elevate the cannabis industry, and advocate for the recognition this incredible plant deserves.

Grower Success Manager / BD

Adam Greenberg is the CEO and Founder of IUNU, a company that provides AI and machine vision systems to drive efficiencies and profits for greenhouse growers. 
IUNU & Mr. Greenberg has been recognized with a Medal of Excellence from Greenhouse Grower, best new indoor growing technology from United Fresh Produce Association, and was recently named to GPN's 40 Under 40 Class of 2020. Adam has also been a speaker & panelist at universities, associations, conferences, and recently sponsored an AI symposium for Congressional staffers on US Capitol Hill.
He founded IUNU in 2013 to revolutionize the greenhouse industry by using machine vision technology. His passion for agriculture came from his father who is a botanist and entrepreneur. Mr. Greenberg earned his degrees in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the University of Washington and is former Amazon.com. He is a fifth-generation native of San Francisco and travels 150+ days a year between the Netherlands, Canada, and the US, where he enjoys staying active and the outdoors.
In Mr. Greenberg’s own words, “The credit for our success goes to the team at IUNU. Look at the change we’re making and look how far we’ve already come. At the end of the day, our goal is to add value to our customers.”

Directeur Landbouw, Voeding & Milieu

Founder & Director

At the helm of Skytree as CEO, Rob is steering the ship, driving the strategy to ready Skytree to be introduced to the world. With a distinguished history of leading high-growth companies, from scale-ups to enterprises, Rob’s leadership is marked by a relentless pursuit of growth and impact. His profound commitment to effecting positive societal change ensures that Skytree's journey is navigated with skill and foresight. With Rob at the wheel, Skytree is in safe hands.

Johanna Bac-Molenaar became biologist, because she is fascinated by the living world around here in which each creature has its own role and place due to adaptations and interactions. During her studies in biology and in her PhD research, she specialized in the study of plants and their interaction with the environment. She currently works as a 'Plant Health' researcher at the Greenhouse Horticulture business unit of Wageningen University and Research, on the design and testing of resilient and sustainable cultivation systems. Her research aims to minimize pesticide use and to work more and more circular. As a specialist in strawberry cultivation, she likes to see the cultivation cycle (propagation, nursery and production) as one interconnected system for which integral solution work best.

Researcher Plant Health

Curious about technological innovations that make a positive impact on society. Feel free to send me a message if you're a start-up/scale-up looking for investment opportunities in the greater Rotterdam - The Hague - Leiden - Delft area in The Netherlands. 
InnovationQuarter is a Dutch venture capital investment fund for innovative companies, from startup to scale-up with €300 mln AUM and ticket sizes ranging from €350.000 up to €5 mln per company in pre-seed/seed/seriesA-C investment rounds.

Investment Manager

Iddo is currently the co-founder and CEO of Arugga since 2017. Previously, Iddo was VP of Research and Development at Dune Medical Devices. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University.

Passionate in nature and agriculture. MSc in greenhouse horticulture at Wageningen University. Expert in CEA, soilless systems, hydroponic, plant nutrition, fertigation, and closed irrigation systems.   Currently a researcher in plant nutrition at Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture. Developing technology for the horticultural sector and furthering the knowledge of greenhouse crop nutrition.

Rodolfo Groenewoud - van Vliet is co-founder and director of In4Art, a company focused on experimental innovation through multi-disciplinary collaborations throughout Europe. Over the last ten years, In4Art has worked with numerous artists, researchers and companies in over twenty European countries on technological innovation as well as material innovation. Prior to In4Art, he worked as a business developer and innovation manager at various corporations, including Dura Vermeer and Shell. Rodolfo can best be described as an entrepreneurial, business-minded person with a passion for advancing mind-blowing concepts that are ahead of their time.

Director

Soil scientist and grower turned technology developer with a passion for agriculture, food, and food production.
Experience working across controlled environment agriculture firstly as a user of innovation and technology and now a leader in digitising and innovating in agriculture.
Takes great enjoyment working across multi-disciplinary teams amongst software, hardware bringing what the user needs to the forefront

Jelte van Kammen is de algemeen directeur van Harvest House, een toonaangevende coöperatie van Nederlandse telers van tomaten, paprika’s en komkommers. De bevlogen telers produceren op een innovatieve en duurzame manier vruchtgroenten van hoge kwaliteit. Op elk punt in de keten maken we duurzame keuzes.
Jelte is daarnaast bestuurslid van FVO en staat bekend als een verbinder en aanjager binnen de sector om de uitdagingen in de glastuinbouw aan te gaan. Samenwerking en innovatie zijn sleutelwoorden. Hij is betrokken bij initiatieven als Stop the Foodfight, Coalition of the Willing en trekker van projecten zoals 100% Groen Geteeld en True Value. Deze zijn allemaal gericht op duurzame teeltmethoden en het bredere verhaal van de glastuinbouw.

Vice president & general Manager

chair of association "De Versnellers"

Aneesh Chauhan is a senior computer vision and robotics scientist whose career bridges academia and industry. He earned an M.Sc. in Autonomous Systems from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, in 2004, and a Ph.D. in Informatics and Robotics from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, in 2014. After his doctorate he held post-doctoral positions on embodied robotics at Aveiro and in the Aerial Robotics Laboratory of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Since 2017 he has been a Senior Scientist at Wageningen Food and Biobased Research in the Netherlands, where he leads projects that deploy artificial intelligence to tackle labour shortages, enable autonomous agri-food production, and monitor biodiversity. His research blends computer vision, machine and deep learning, human–robot interaction, and natural language processing to create robots that perceive, reason, and collaborate. Current applications under his oversight include greenhouse scouting robots, AI-enabled quality inspection for food products, and vision and sound based large-scale ecological observation. His overarching goal is to advance sustainable, human-and-planet centric technology that secures resilient food systems for future generations everywhere.

Sr. Researcher

Mariska Dreschler has more than 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business strategy, business development and event management. As Director of Horticulture, GreenTech Global at the RAI Amsterdam, she supports the global food- and flower production industry by organizing trade fairs for these communities to connect, both face-2-face and digital. The GreenTech portfolio consists of GreenTech Amsterdam as the worldwide leading trade show on horticulture technologies and GreenTech Americas as the regional trade show in Mexico.

Director Horticulture - GreenTech Global

Willem is an experienced Co-Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the cleantech and agritech as a purpose and passion driven entrepreneur. As CEO and founder of FOTONIQ he is driven to make CEA more sustainable, efficient, and profitable.

Henry Gordon-Smith is the Founder and CEO of Agritecture, a global consulting firm specializing in climate-smart agriculture and urban farming. Since founding Agritecture in 2014, Henry has led over 300 projects in 50+ countries, helping developers, entrepreneurs, and governments design resilient, profitable agricultural systems. His expertise spans controlled environment agriculture (CEA), regenerative farming, ag-tech integration, and food systems strategy.
A recognized thought leader, Henry frequently speaks at global events, including the UN Food Systems Summit and World Green Economy Summit. He also teaches at Columbia University on climate-smart agriculture and consults on food policy and sustainable land use planning. His work has been featured in The New York Times, AgFunder, and more. 
Henry holds a Master’s in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia. A digital nomad and global citizen, he brings a multicultural, forward-thinking lens to agriculture.
Through Agritecture, Henry is building the world’s most accessible and data-driven platform for farm planning, with a vision to help global agriculture adapt to climate change. His mission is to make agriculture more resilient, transparent, and equitable through smart design, innovative policy, and responsible technology.

A native of Santa Cruz Ca, James Cunningham has pursued his career in cannabis cultivation his entire professional life. He is the founder of Vertical Air Solutions and Fog City Farms, a leading-edge vertical cannabis farm located in Watsonville, CA. When not tending to Fog City Farms and Vertical Air Solutions, James enjoys surfing and snowboarding, and farming his family vineyard. James is married with three children, and lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Director Of Cultivation

With a background in international business, I have many years of experience in lighting & vertical farming. I lead a multi disciplinary team of plant specialists, sales application engineers and business developers to build vertical farms globally, tailored to the specific and local business needs of the customers/entrepreneurs.  Key to my work are my passion for food, people and sustainability. 
Signify is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers and lighting for the Internet of Things. Signify agricultural lighting helps growers and farmers to unlock the power of light to sustainably feed a growing population and brighten lives. Within Signify Agriculture, Philips Horticulture LED grow lights help control many aspects of crop growth to get better business results and increase yield, quality and consistency of the crop.

Business manager Philips Vertical Farming

Douwe-Frits Broens is an expert in innovation management. Holding a PhD in Management Science he has 35 years of experience in the interface between technical research and commercial development. Throughout his career he had several consulting or management positions in applied research and business development. His current fields of interest are agrilogistics, vertical farming, biobased materials and biofuel production.

Learn to grow! 
Beanstalk stimulates the growth and development of people and organizations within the horticulture sector. We create an inspiring learning environment for all who work in our beautiful sector. A place to explore and develop talents, where your company is supported to evolve towards a future-proof (self-learning) organization.

Trainer

Bas is one of the project leaders at the Delphy Improvement Centre where he focuses on energy efficiency and crop health. He has experience in several horticultural crops including vegetables and ornamentals. After receiving his Master of Science degree in Plant Sciences at Wageningen University & Research, he worked as a crop health specialist. The experience and knowledge he has gained during this period are now applied in energy efficiency research.

Teaching plant physiology and horticulture in HAS green academy. Next to that I am responsible for maintaining contacts between HAS and the agri-/horticultural sector.

Lecturer/advisor Horticulture

Professor

Not an armchair expert, but with both feet in the trenches. As Global Innovation Manager Enabling Technologies at Koppert, Gabriël van der Kruijk applies technology daily to drive innovation for customers and colleagues alike. He cuts through hype, delivering clear, experience-based insights. Known for his energy and enthusiasm, he tells compelling stories and sparks engagement.
With over twenty years in tech, Gabriël has a proven track record of delivering digital and AI solutions. He founded four tech companies and has worn many hats — software development, consultancy, and management in international corporate environments among them. The connecting thread is a focus on customer-centric, co-creative product development. His wide-ranging experience lets him connect deep technical know-how with sharp business sense.
With his side business Gabriel Guides (Gabriel Gidst) he helps companies start and accelerate their transformation journey with inspirational keynotes, workshops and advice. During the talks, Gabriël shares concrete lessons and thought-provoking examples. During workshops he works alongside participants, helping them turn challenges and opportunities into actionable digital solutions.

Global Innovation Manager Enabling Technologies

Born and raised in the heart of the Dutch Westland, Renko Schuil has been immersed in fresh food production from an early age. His career in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry spans over two decades, during which he has gained extensive expertise across various facets of the sector. From hardware and growing systems to climate control, lighting, logistics, and automation, Renko has developed a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between these key components. His broad experience enables him to take a holistic approach, helping growers and industry leaders optimize their operations with innovative solutions.
Renko is now representing TTA-ISO as Sales Manager Food. At TTA-ISO, ‘Food’ refers to all edible and medicinal crops grown in controlled environments, from high-tech greenhouses to fully enclosed vertical farms. With a strong focus on plant handling and processing, TTA-ISO applies its 25+ years of expertise in robotics and automation to develop turnkey solutions that improve efficiency and consistency in indoor farming.

Sales Manager Food

After twenty years I stopped as an orthopedic surgeon to start the Caring Doctors Foundation. A fast-growing organization by and for healthcare professionals, working on the health of the planet and humans with a mainly plant based food system.
In a mainly plant-based food system (Planetary Health Diet) there is less health damage from welfare diseases, less environmental damage and more food security. We provide training, education and guidance within care and cure institutions and beyond to first accelerate all institutional kitchens towards a (mainly) plant-based food supply (80% plant based).
We do this together with many partners (leaders in agriculture and horticulture, dietitians, teachers and chefs).
As a concerned father, I hope to contribute a little to a livable planet for future generations.

Chairman Caring Doctors

As Senior Researcher Plant Health I work at Wageningen University and Research Horticulture leading a research team with focus on hostplant resistance/resilience to pests and diseases in greenhouse crops.  I am an Agricultural Engineer specialized in Plant Production (Agricultural Ing. University of Bonn, Germany) and have obtained an MSc in Pest Management (Imperial College London, UK) sustained by a grant from the German Academic Exchange Service. Thereafter, I obtained a PhD in biological control of weeds with fungi (University of Fribourg, Switzerland). My research continued in the Netherlands on diagnosis and control of pests and diseases in indoor horticulture at the University of Leiden  specializing in identifying chemical plant compounds related to host plant resistance/resilience to pests and diseases. Identified compounds are subsequently used for resistance breeding, inducing resistance in susceptible varieties and development of biopesticides. Currently, I pursue the practical application of this approach at Wageningen University and Research leading research projects in: design and implementation  of sustainable and resilient cultivation systems in ornamentals, vegetables and bulbs; use of LED lights for induction of plant resilience; reduction of nitrate fertilization to increase plant resilience and most recently early detection methods of pests and diseases via (hyperspectral) imaging, volatile detection, airborne spore monitoring and use of electrophysiological sensors. As such I closely co-operate with government institutions, growers and companies in the horticultural sector.

Senior Researcher Plant Health

Business Development manager

Dr. Hsin-Cheng Chen serves as the R&D Department Manager at Taiwan HiPoint. He holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from National Cheng Kung University and is currently a PhD candidate in Biomechatronics Engineering at National Taiwan University.
His research interests include servo control, image system integration, and biological system simulation. Dr. Chen has developed HiPoint's phenotype equipment and smart agriculture cloud system, and leads the phenotype system for Taiwan's National Plant Phenomics System construction team.
With expertise in automation system design and image analysis, Dr. Chen has led several innovative projects, including the development of the PDS intelligent pest identification system—recipient of the 2022 Taiwan Excellence Award. This system enhances Integrated Pest Management by significantly reducing pesticide usage through precise pest identification, preventing crop yield losses while minimizing environmental impact.
Dr. Chen's work focuses on advancing agricultural sustainability through technology integration, particularly through applications of the HiPoint PDS system in modern IPM practices.

R&D Manager

Annie van de Riet is the President of AVAG, the association for the Dutch greenhouse technology sector. With a background in economic geography and extensive experience in both horticulture and advocacy, she is committed to driving the industry forward. AVAG represents 80 companies with a combined turnover of €3 billion, 80% of which comes from exports. These companies collaborate to develop quality standards, conduct research, and drive innovation in a pre-competitive environment. This collective effort has made the sector a global leader. A Dutch supplier is synonymous with state-of-the-art technology and top-quality solutions.

President

Dr.ir.ing. Sander Mertens holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, specializing in "Wind Energy in the Built Environment." He earned a Master's degree in Applied Physics from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Inholland University of Applied Sciences. During his PhD, he led the Wind Energy/Building Physics department at the engineering firm DHV. He later co-founded Ingreenious, an international consultancy firm, and also co-founded Windchallenge, where he spent nine years working on wind energy projects.
In 2018, he was appointed Professor of "Energy in Transition" at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. He is an expert in the integrated approach of the energy transition, with a focus on system integration of hydrogen, direct current, and low-temperature heat. In June 2020, he became the Director of the Centre of Expertise "Mission Zero" at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, where he developed a multidisciplinary approach to sustainability transitions and a large partner network.
Sander Mertens serves on the advisory boards of several companies and has contributed to numerous projects focused on the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Director Center of Expertice Mission Zero (THUAS)

My name is Max van den Hemel. I am working as a Cultivation Engineer within Team Delphy Digital. My focus is on high-tech greenhouse vegetables and I bridge the three domains in digitalisation: green knowledge, data science and software development.

Specialist data-driven growing

Founder & Key Connector

My background in computer science has led me to see plant biology as the next big challenge.
At hexafarms, we've built an AI-powered, sensor-driven platform tailored for greenhouses and indoor farms. By blending computer vision with real-time sensor data, our system can forecast yields weeks in advance– and at impressive accuracy levels. This allows growers to optimize everything– from climate control to harvest planning– right from a single intuitive dashboard. 
I'm excited to connect with growers, partners, and fellow innovators to explore how we can further unlock efficiency, reduce waste, and build resilient food systems together.

Alberto is an experienced plant scientist. His Ph.D. (Durham University) investigated molecular responses underpinning plant immune responses. Prior to Zayndu, he held post-doctoral research roles at Durham, investigating the molecular interactions regulating the growth-immunity balance in plants in collaboration with Agritech leaders such as KWS, ADAS, BASF; his role is to co-ordinate the plant science team and lead the development of the seed treatment protocols.

Head of Plant Science

I have been leading R&D efforts in light recipes and client support programs for the global Cannabis Segment for the past 6 years. I have expertise in plant biology and ecology, plant secondary compounds, spectroscopy and light. The last 10 years, I accumulated expertise in precision agriculture and indoor horticulture, specialized on Cannabis cultivation (optimizing yield and compounds for medicine) under LED lighting.

Cannabis Research & Plant Specialist

Kees Pruis is a passionate technologist and strategic innovator with a deep-rooted drive to make things better. With a career spanning the intersection of strategy, technology, and people, Kees brings a unique perspective to the evolving world of artificial intelligence. His ability to think outside the box and challenge conventional approaches has made him a trusted advisor and thought leader in digital transformation.
Kees thrives in environments where innovation is key and where human-centric design meets cutting-edge technology. He believes that the true power of AI lies not just in its algorithms, but in how it empowers people and organizations to grow, adapt, and lead in a rapidly changing world.
With a strong background in organizational development and a keen eye for emerging trends, Kees helps businesses navigate complexity and unlock new opportunities through smart, sustainable innovation. Whether he's shaping strategic roadmaps or facilitating cross-functional collaboration, his intrinsic motivation to improve and inspire is always at the forefront.
At this conference, Kees will share insights on how AI can be harnessed not just as a tool, but as a transformative force that aligns with human values and strategic goals.

Lead data science for robotics

I am Niels van der Geest, graduated in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Wageningen and currently working as a cultivation engineer at Delphy, the Netherlands, with the focus on Greenhouse Vegetables. As cultivation engineer, I develop data-driven cultivation management tools that support growers in making data driven decisions!

Rien Kamman is CEO and Co-Founder of Source.ag, leading the company’s global mission to empower fruit and vegetable growers with AI. Since 2020, he has driven Source.ag’s expansion and vision to make high-tech, efficient greenhouse farming accessible and scalable worldwide.

CEO & Co-founder

Tenair

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